Ebner instinctively simulated a "Doctor's" abilities to observe Dunn. Moments later, his expression turned peculiar.
Has Dunn encountered some "succubus"? The "Sleepless" pathway also enhances physical constitution—for a Sequence 6 to be this drained... He must have been indulging nonstop for two or three days straight.
Could a "Demoness of Pleasure" have latched onto him? Should I discreetly report this to Ms. Daly?
As Ebner's thoughts ran wild, Dunn—clearly aware his poor condition had been noticed—cleared his throat. His voice, usually deep and mellow, now carried a dry rasp:
"Come in. Did you plan to stand at the doorstep all day?"
His mood has completely shifted from days ago—no longer repressed but buoyantly confident... When men undergo such changes, it's usually because of a woman!
While these thoughts flashed through Ebner's mind, he maintained polite greetings. Behind the cover of his copper-framed glasses, he activated his "Pure White Eyes" to gather clues, extract traces, and initiate "Scene Retrospection."
Soon, vivid images unfolded before him: Over the past few days, Dunn and Daly had "battled" their way from the foyer to the bedroom... and back again...
This made Ebner halt mid-step.
"What's wrong?" asked Dunn, who had reverted to his true appearance while leading the way. He turned back curiously.
"I know a 'Pharmacist' who concocts remarkably effective 'Mummy Powder' tonics... Perhaps you'd find them helpful..." Ebner gave Dunn a deeply meaningful look, his tone brimming with "admiration."
"What are you implying?" Dunn's profound gray eyes narrowed briefly before feigning confusion.
"To a 'Magister,' certain traces aren't erased by mere washing!" Ebner remarked pointedly, then tapped his glasses with a smile. "Forgotten? These eyes perceive all 'transgressions.'"
"Wasn't that just... a scripted line Lady Closfia fabricated for your persona?" Dunn deliberately chuckled before smoothly pivoting: "Tea or coffee?"
Tsk... Too afraid to even say Closfia's name outright now? Ebner glanced toward a corner of the parlor and shook his head:
"My point is—Ms. Daly may as well reveal herself. Being shrouded by spirits can't be comfortable."
As a "Spirit Guide," the spectral entities Daly commanded paled in quality compared to Jane's, making them impossible to hide from Ebner's perception.
"Indeed, my 'concealment' could never fool the 'Doctor Strange'..." A voice laced with self-deprecating humor emerged as Daly stepped from the shadows in casual homewear.
Absent her usual eccentric makeup, she appeared far younger, her mystique replaced by unvarnished charm.
"I had her hidden to avoid misunderstandings... Given her status as a Nighthawk," Dunn explained mildly upon her appearance.
He wasn't surprised "Doctor Strange" recognized Daly—considering the man's prior familiarity with the Tingen Nighthawks, ignorance would've been more startling.
Meanwhile, Ebner seemed to accept this. After courteously greeting Daly, he smiled at the pair: "So your relationship has finally progressed... Shall I offer congratulations?"
His gaze then slid back to Dunn, teasing: "Sure you won't reconsider visiting that pharmacist I mentioned?"
Speaking of which, back when Ebner and Dunn were completing the task set by Closfia in the "Indo Nightmare," their friendship had taken a significant leap forward after witnessing each other's most embarrassing sides. As a result, they became much more relaxed around each other in conversation.
In the past, he would never have joked with Dunn like this.
Just as Dunn was feeling awkward and unsure how to respond to Ebner's teasing, Miss Daly picked up the thread of the conversation and said meaningfully, "This is all thanks to the Fool's grace."
The Fool… Ebner's eyes flickered as his thoughts raced. Klein knows Dunn has been resurrected? And he guided Daly to him as well…
What butterfly effect caused this new development?
Hmm, in that case, Klein has most likely already guessed that it was me who revived Dunn. After all, 'The Tower' is 'Doctor Strange', and the latter first appeared around the same time Dunn came back to life…
What will he think? Probably that I'm backed by the Earth Mother, and that I joined the Tarot Club with some mission in mind, right?
But knowing Klein, even if he's aware that the Earth Mother has her own agenda, he wouldn't treat Her with hostility based solely on that. On the contrary, just for the fact that She brought Dunn back to life, he'd likely try to accommodate Her demands to repay the favor.
Still, even if Daly has established contact with the Fool, Klein probably wouldn't have introduced 'Doctor Strange' to her on purpose…
So either Daly is trying to fish information out of me, or she has some other source.
Judging by her confident tone, the latter seems more likely.
While mulling this over, Ebner maintained a surface-level pious expression and offered praise to Mr. Fool. Then he asked, "How did you know I was one of His believers?"
Daly didn't hide it. She briefly explained a secret technique developed by Stuart that could communicate with the Church of Steam's sealed artifact '2-111', then tentatively asked, "Does the Fool have a relationship with the orthodox gods…?"
Since this involved divinity, she didn't dare be too specific. But it was the matter she and Dunn were most concerned about—she had to ask.
Sealed artifact '2-111'? Isn't that the bootlicker mirror? And there's actually a secret technique that can communicate with it? Stuart must be a real madman!
Ebner mocked internally, then carefully considered before shaking his head at Daly. "That's not information I can share for free."
"What do you want in return?" Daly asked directly.
"I want to know the principles and structure behind the technique used to communicate with sealed artifact '2-111'," Ebner stated his condition.
It wasn't that he was trying to socially ruin himself—rather, as a "Mysticism Magister," learning secret arts was one of the rules of role-playing. He didn't want to miss any opportunity to deepen his persona.
Besides, it's not like I'm going to use it on myself. Once I learn it, I'll pass it on to someone else—that's the best way to give back to society!
Thinking of Stuart and Ikanser's tragic fates, Daly gave Ebner a somewhat sympathetic look, then readily agreed to his terms.
Roughly ten minutes later, after Ebner had grasped the basics of the technique, he carefully chose his words and said to Dunn and Daly:
"My Lord is allied with the Earth Mother. She sent Her followers to His banner." — This referred to himself and Emlyn joining the Tarot Club.
"My Lord is on friendly terms with the Goddess of the Evernight. They share dominion over night and secrecy." — This referred to the Fool Himself being the Goddess's favored one, and naturally enjoying the blessings of the night.
(End of Chapter)